Resident no longer feeding the rats

John Meaney, a principal health inspector for the city, said that a professional cleaning crew would remove the rodent droppings, boxes and clutter from Lillian Hanron’s home.

Jessica M. Smith

John Meaney, a principal health inspector for the city, said that a professional cleaning crew would remove the rodent droppings, boxes and clutter from Lillian Hanron’s home.

“Things are going as expected; rodent activity is minimal. There are only a couple of babies right now, so we are on target,” said Meaney of the progress.

Joseph Gruss, the West Roxbury attorney representing the homeowner, agreed.

“She’s still doing what she’s told,” said Gruss, adding that his client was waiting earlier for this week for the “go ahead” from the city to start the cleanup.

The cleaning crew was mandated last week following an ISD hearing in which hearing officer Regina Hanson also ruled that Hanron must cease feeding all creatures other than her cats.

The ruling came after ISD sent health, housing and environmental inspectors to Hanron’s home on May 15 after neighbors called to complain that Hanron, who is in her 80s, was feeding rats.

Once the basement is clean, Meaney said the next step will be for an inspector to evaluate the sewer pipes leading into Hanron’s basement because it is believed that either a broken pipe or a missing pipe cap is what caused the rats to initially enter the property. Through her attorney, Hanron has vowed to fix the sewer as soon as doing so is feasible.

According to Gruss and ISD, Hanron realized there was initially a rat issue in July 2005 when she hired a contractor to remedy the problem. When that work did not completely eradicate the rats, she started feeding the creatures because, as Gruss described her, she loves animals and taking care of others.

Hanron has until June 5 to show the city that her property is in compliance with the housing code. If progress is not made, she risks having her home condemned and having to appear in housing court.

City Services

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